If you are a teen who has been affected by a family member’s alcoholism, there is a support group just for you. Alateen is a part of Al-Anon, and is specifically designed to meet the needs of teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17. At Al-Anon, we believe that alcoholism is a disease that affects everyone in the family. Alateen provides a safe space to share the experiences you are having, or have had, with the problem drinker in your life, whether they are a parent or close family member. Alateen is a community where you will find help and support. Alateen groups have a long record of success, regardless of whether the problem drinker is seeking help for herself or himself or is actively working on sober living. Are you curious about how Alateen can help you cope with family issues related to drinking or other substance abuse? Here are five things you may not know about the program. http://www.my12stepstore.com/Al-Anon-Alateen-Hope-For-Children-Of-Alcoholics-Al-Anon-Book.html
Alateen Members are Teens Just Like You
Alateen members are young people like you who have been negatively affected by someone else’s drinking or recovery, whether they are parents, siblings, or other close family members or friends. No matter what your individual experience has been, we all share a common bond: we feel someone else’s drinking has affected our lives and impacted them in a negative way. http://www.my12stepstore.com/Al-Anon-Alateen-A-Day-At-A-Time-Al-Anon-Book.html
You Don’t Need an Invitation
Alateen members and potential members don’t need an invitation to attend a support meeting. You don’t need to call anyone or make an appointment – just show up at a local meeting and listen or share. A volunteer leads the meeting, but there is nobody in charge of the meeting, and you don’t need to make arrangements to attend.
Alateen is Free
Attending Alateen meetings doesn’t cost a thing. There are no membership fees or dues.
Alateen is a self-supporting group through voluntary contributions, is supported by the sales of Conference-approved literature. Even if you can’t contribute, you are always welcome to attend Alateen meetings.
You Don’t Have to Talk
Whether or not you feel like talking during meetings is entirely up to you. Newcomers are welcome, and some meetings are specifically for new members, but you are not required to speak or share. There will usually be literature and a local meeting list available, and everyone is invited to listen and learn. Fellow members are available to answer your questions before or after the meetings. http://www.my12stepstore.com/Al-Anon-Living-Today-In-Alateen-Al-Anon-Book.html
Alateen Meetings are Confidential
Don’t worry about seeing someone you know, like Al-Anon, one of the Alateen program’s basic principles is confidentiality and anonymity. Members do not disclose whom they see or what they hear at meetings to anyone.
You are not alone! For more information about dealing with a family member whose drinking has impacted your life, My 12-Step Store offers everything you need to stay strong when the going gets tough.